. >> waiting hours for an appointment with fema to survey the damage here. a wait ackerman doesn't mind. >> i'm just happy i survived this. i'm very grateful to be alive right now. >> reporter: after his sudden cold plunge into the storm surge that enveloped his house monday night. >> i was in the water for two and a half hours. there was no light so i couldn't see anything to grab on to. even if i wanted to grab something, i couldn't see it. >> reporter: rescued by firefighters, he comforts others here. grateful to see help arriving for this beleaguered borough. this parking lot has turned into one stop shopping from food, clothing and household items. >> what are you breathing today? >> toys and a snow suit for a kid. clothes, just to try to help out as much as i can. it's sad. >> reporter: sad but after days of crying out for help, suddenly those who are dealing with this don't feel quite so alone. on staten island, new york, jim rosenfield, news 4. >> the red cross in fairfax county sent three emergency response vehicles to west virginia today. these vol